Penelope Kay Chism, 71

DUNKIRK - Heaven is now a much more beautiful place with the addition of a loving wife, mother and grandmother. Penelope Kay Chism, 71, lost her courageous battle with cancer on Saturday, October 6, 2012. She passed peacefully at her home, holding the hands of her family.

Kay, as she was so fondly known, was born in Eaton to parents, Herbert Wright and Georgia Rathel Wright on April 4, 1941. Kay was the eleventh child of fifteen and a twin:

In March of 1957, Kay married her husband of fifty-five years, Dale Francis Chism in Muncie. Kay blessed Dale with four children and the family lived in Shideler before building their own home in Dunkirk. Kay was employed at Sheller Globe and developed many wonderful friendships during twenty-six years at Indiana Glass.

Upon entering Kay's kitchen, one would always expect to hear a radio broadcast of the Cincinnati Reds. A fan since the days of Pete Rose and the Big Red Machine, Kay could often be found sporting her Joey Votto jersey. Family holidays were never complete without Kay's famous beef and noodles or pineapple-upside-down cake and her elaborate decorations. She never missed an opportunity to bargain hunt at garage sales or browse Goodwill. Kay will be remembered for her love of card games, her shoe and purse collection, bowling, and pressing her luck at the slot machines, dog races and on scratch offs. Her compassionate and giving spirit was evident in all she did. Kay was always the first to offer help to a family member or friend in need. Kay certainly earned the title of "World's Best Grandma". Nothing satisfied her more than rocking on the porch swing and enjoying time with her family.

Left to cherish Kay's memory are her loving husband, Dale; two sons, Roger Chism (wife, Vicky) of Hartford City and Carl Chism (wife, Lechelle) of Muncie; two daughters, Marsha Dragoo (husband, Edward) of Albany and Sandy Johnson (husband, Jake) of Dunkirk; four grandchildren, Teaessa Chism-Okino (husband, Scott) of Seattle, WA, Michael L. Smith of Albany, Jamie Dragoo of Muncie, Tara Dragoo of Albany; two spoiled great-grandchildren, Zachary Carter of Albany and Kaylynn Nolley of Muncie; Multiple step-grandchildren, Bonnie Frye (Chris) and children Kristin, Brianna and Austin, Jackie Campbell (Billy) and children Torri and Jacob, Michelle McHatton (Keith), Joe Johnson and children Tasya Johnson and Mercades Clark, Heather Johnson and son Chase Petrie, Tina Johnson and children Adrian and Skylar Stewart; special family friend, Phil Buck.

Kay was preceded in death by her parents and eight siblings.

A celebration of Kay's wonderful life will be 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 10, 2012 at Pitman-Richman Funeral Home, 200 S. Hartford St., Eaton. Burial will follow in Black Cemetery, Albany.

Friends and family may call from 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, October 9, 2012 at the funeral home and one hour prior to services Wednesday.

Memorial contributions may be made in Kay's honor to Little Red Door and the I.U. BMH Cancer Center.

Kay's family wishes to thank Dr. Spahr, Dr. Lin, Margorie Wiseman, the I.U. BMH Cancer Center staff, Hospice and the Pitman-Richman Funeral Home for their outstanding care and compassion.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at http://www.watersfuneralhomes.com.

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Penelope Kay Chism, 71

DUNKIRK - Heaven is now a much more beautiful place with the addition of a loving wife, mother and grandmother. Penelope Kay Chism, 71, lost her courageous battle with cancer on Saturday, October 6,